This past Thursday, Governor Kim Reynolds’s Office submitted an expedited request with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration.

Then on Friday, Reynolds announced the declaration has been approved for four counties in Iowa, including Adair, Montgomery, Polk and Story Counties. FEMA and the US Small Business Administration (SBA) are now able to provide assistance to those four counties. Residents of the counties may apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program, which will provide programs and services aimed at maximizing recovery to homeowners, renters and businesses in the affected areas.

These programs can be used to help with housing, personal property replacement, legal services and medical expenses. Those who sustained losses can begin to apply by calling the FEMA helpline, which is operated daily from 7am to 10pm, or online, or by using the FEMA app.

For those who suffered property damage, including homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations who had property damaged, low-interest loans from the SBA may be available, if eligible. Small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and private, non-profit organizations impacted by the storms may also be eligible to apply for a working capital loan. Applicants for either of these loans may apply online at the SBA’s website. More information can be found by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955, or by emailing them at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

With the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration now in effect, Adair, Polk, Story and Montgomery County residents are no longer eligible for the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program, and should instead apply for the FEMA Individual Assistance Program. The FEMA Public Assistance Program was also activated for Adair County, providing funds for emergency work such as debris removal and emergency protective measures.

FEMA helpline: 1-800-621-3362